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Council hears apologetic schedule update on LC Stevens bridge and city park irrigation plans
Summary
City staff and consultant told council delays affected LC Stevens Park phase‑3 work; the bridge design is ready and will be bid separately for winter construction, and staff plans RFQs for irrigation at five park sites with bids targeted for early 2025.
City staff and consultant Paul Kangas updated the council on park improvement projects, explaining why several items slipped from the expected construction season and setting a revised approach.
Kangas said the original plan tried to bundle several park designs into one 2023 bid package but neighborhood meetings and missing survey data delayed design development. He apologized, calling his accepting an aggressive timeline his “biggest mistake,” and said he would not put construction documents out until they avoided likely change orders.
Council and staff agreed to separate the LC Stevens bridge as a standalone bid for construction in winter conditions; the bridge design and soil borings are complete and staff expects an October bid and winter construction window. Smaller park elements (shelter, irrigation, signage) may be bid separately.
Staff described irrigation plans and two RFQs — one for irrigation systems and one for water/electrical supply — covering five park sites. The documents are ready and can be advertised if the council authorizes bidding; early‑season bids (February–March) are preferred to secure contractors.
Councilmembers emphasized clearer timelines, Gantt charts, and better communication on budgets and survey requirements to avoid repeated surprises. The consultant acknowledged cost pressure and suggested staff would present tradeoffs to meet city priorities.
